Yesterday marked my first day as a competitive bodybuilder! The event was a lot of fun and I got to meet many people and spread the word that you CAN in fact build muscle on a plant based diet. Check out the prejudging comparisns and my posing routine below and let me know what you think!
I was really happy with the way I looked and the way I posed, but unfortunately I did not place as high as I’d have liked to. Out of the three middle-weight competitors (165-185lbs) I placed third. I spoke to the judges afterward to find out where I need to improve to place higher, and the mixed response I got gave me the impression that one or more of the judges thought I should have won my category (one said so in fact) but to place higher in the future I need to come in a little tighter and make sure I hold every muscle flexed even between poses. So that means ever more posing practice and no bulking diets pre-contest! While the result was disappointing, I learned a lot and plan on using the experience to my advantage the next time I compete!
I think your abs are far less visible than those of the black man, your chest is really bigger than other’s.
congratulations.
Derek: you were lacking in definition but you had better symmetry and muscular development best.
The beginning of the posing routine reminded me of the legendary Frank Zane. Good intro. I believe you have the size and the ability to place higher (your size was superior to the others). Coming in tighter, even at the expense of a little less muscle, would have made a monumental difference.
The turns and individual poses needs some refinement, but with this being the first outing, that’s a given. You’ll have this with time. The contestant with the locks exhibits great stage confidence and poses like a seasoned veteran. Notice how each pose has exaggerations before and after it? That’s showmanship. It’ll come in time.
Congratulations on being an ambassador of vegan muscular fitness and dedication to the lifestyle. I’m sure you’ve influenced many. Take all critiques for what they’re worth, utilize the good and discard the bad. Again, congratulations on a fine performance.
Any idea of when you’ll compete again?
Thank you for the input! I appreciate the constructive criticism. I am looking to compete again sometime this July, since I mainly need to focus on conditioning rather than adding more mass. I’ll post when I’ve got a show chosen!